Director Of Block Operations

Summary of the Job:

 

The Director of Operations directs and oversees all operations related to manufacturing, materials, facilities, distribution, manufacturing engineering and maintenance of Block Company in an effort to produce product in the most cost effective manner within quality standards.   This role oversees operations to attain maximum efficiency in the design and production of products, achieving optimum labor while managing overhead and raw material costs. Ensures inventory and transportation functions at manufacturing plants are operating at levels which meet customers’ needs and established financial benchmarks.  Formulates and recommends manufacturing policies and programs which guide the organization in maintaining and improving its competitive position and the profitability of the operation.  Directs activities so that approved products are manufactured on schedule and within quality standards and cost objectives.

 

Essential Functions/Principal Accountabilities of the Job:

 

1.  Manufacturing productivity and processes

· Responsible for directing and/or overseeing the complete implementation, coordination and control of all manufacturing processes (including product manufacturing and packaging), ensuring process improvements and timely documentation.

· Responsible for ensuring overall condition of all mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment within the facility to ensure a consistent high level of performance for all equipment.

· Directs implementation and execution of manufacturing policies and practices throughout the organization.

· Responsible for maintaining capacity information and keeping it current.

· Responsible for cost containment within a zero based budget concept.

· Develops and implements capital expense projects necessary to maintain and improve plant performance.

· Responsible for directing and managing the measurement and reporting of manufacturing statistical data.

 

2.  Materials and supply chain management processes

· Responsible for providing managerial direction and oversees the overall materials and supply chain management function.

· Directs integration of customer demand planning with supply chain processes to effectively respond to changes in the marketplace.

· Oversees use of formal demand forecasting methods and techniques

· Responsible for ensuring a well documented cycle count program is maintained.

· Responsible for inventory working capital and reduction efforts with the Materials Management staff

· Ensures accuracy and timeliness of performance measurement program is in use to track quality, efficiency of all materials related functions

· Develops future plans to improve the infrastructure and organization of the materials and supply chain management function.

 

3.  Safety

·  Directs the development and implementation of safety policies at all Plant locations to promote safe and healthy working conditions within the Company.

· Ensures the development of a safety conscious workforce in support of any/all regulatory and safety requirements (to include but not be limited to OSHA).

· Ensures proper leadership, management and training as it relates to all Workers Compensation policies and/or programs.  Ensures all incidents are communicated through the proper channels and investigated timely and thoroughly with appropriate resolution.

· Ensures LTI are kept to a minimum and that plans are in place.

 

4.  Quality

· Directs and implements a formal quality control system to ensure outstanding product quality and customer service and the ongoing maintenance of process improvement systems.

· Works with internal and/or external customers to discuss and resolve quality problems, as required.

· Responsible for developing and maintaining a system to assure that all products and services provided by the Company meet with customer specifications and achieve superior quality and reliability levels.

· Directs the quality of incoming materials as well as finished goods, work in progress or services provided.

· Strives to eliminate all product quality problems.

 

5.  Transportation.

· Directs and oversees the management of transportation including controlling the resources, manpower, equipment and materials to achieve product and process consistency, quality, delivery and cost in a Just in Time Environment in support of outstanding transportation management.

 

6.  Service

· Ensures external customers are satisfied with the quality of the product and that delivery needs are met timely.

 

7.  Housekeeping.

· Directs the adherence to housekeeping showcase standards to support outstanding facilities management.

 

8.  Forecasting/budget management.

· Supports sales and profit goals through proper and timely forecasting and budget adherence and control for the manufacturing operations.

 

9.  Personnel development.

· Directs and manages the activities of the Plant Managers, Director of Materials, Fleet Manager, Process Engineer, and Safety Coordinator in alignment with their respective department goals and in support of the overall Company goals.

· Advises direct reports on labor issues including safety, security, employee relations, scheduling, training, grievances and the like.  Ensures adherence to company policies and administration of practices in a fair and equitable manner.

· Encourages effective and efficient personnel performance through team building, leadership, motivation, training, coaching and professional development and growth.

· Establishes departmental procedures, work instructions and measurement systems consistent with Company policies, processes and directives.

· Displays open communication with all related aspects of the Company.

 

Note: These are the major functions and accountabilities required of the position and are the predominant criteria by which performance will be assessed.  OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

 

Working Relationships, Autonomy, and Supervision:

 

This position directly manages/supervises: the Plant Managers, Director of Materials, Fleet Manager, Process Engineer, and Safety Coordinator.

 

This role will collaborate directly with the Sales Directors/Managers on a daily basis and other members of the Operations and Shared Services management team.

 

Interacts with internal customers (co-workers) and participates in the resolution of external customers’ issues, when required.

 

Work direction is from: President.

 

Required Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge (Minimum level of formal education required for competent performance of the technical duties; previous experience requirements; personal competencies & characteristics deemed necessary for success in the position:

 

1.   Education:

a. A bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a closely-related field.

2.  Previous Experience:

a. 10+ years hands on manufacturing supervisory/management experience in a manufacturing environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.

b. Previous management experience in a batch process environment using discrete and repetitive manufacturing.

c. Experience managing/overseeing the following areas:

o  All Manufacturing Processes

o  Materials and Supply Chain Management

o  Production Planning and Control

o  Transportation

o  Safety

o  Quality

d. Previous project management experience.

e. Strong background and experience with mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment.

f.  Experience initiating, creating and implementing cost savings ideas.

g. Previous scheduling and inventory control experience.

h. Experience developing and implementing Capital Expense projects which directly improve plant performance.

i. Previous leadership experience as an “agent of change�, being able to lead and motivate a team of individuals through a changing environment.

j. Previous financial and budget experience.

k. Prefer experience with and/or training in the following areas:

o  Managing/overseeing inventory management.

o  Strong forecasting (methods and techniques).

o  ERP systems (in a manufacturing environment). 

o  APICS certification.

o  Working within a quality culture (Six-Sigma, Lean Manufacturing etc.).

o  Product seasonality in a process flow manufacturing environment.

 

3. Personal Competencies and Characteristics:

a. Must have strong process knowledge and structured problem solving skills.

b. Must be able to “drive� to the root cause of an issue/problem and address/resolve quickly and efficiently.

c. Must be results and goal oriented with a commitment to accountability.

d. Must be organized with excellent follow through, work well under pressure and be able to manage tight deadlines.

e. Must be a team player with strong team building skills.

f.  Must be a good decision maker with thorough researching skills.

g. Must be assertive, approachable and be able to build strong trusting business relationships.

h. Must have strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally at all levels within an organization.

i. Well-organized with excellent follow through, an ability to work well under pressure, to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, and an ability to consistently meet deadlines.

j. Strong influencing skills

k. Strong listening skills

l. Strong presentation skills

m. Strong leadership skills

n. Strong computer experience, particularly with Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements of the Job:  Successful performance of this job requires the physical capacity to satisfactorily perform the activities noted below.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Â· A small amount of business travel, travel by automobile.  Frequent travel between plants in the area.

 

· Routine use of an office computer for e-mail, word processing, meeting scheduling, internet-based market research and the like.

 

· Routine use of cell phone for communication.

 

· Occasional pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying of items weighing up to 50 lbs.

 

· Work performed at the manufacturing sites (plants and storage yards), which may entail exposure to dirt, dust, dampness, construction debris, extreme weather conditions and temperatures, heavy equipment and noises, and other attributes common to such sites.

 

 

 

Keywords: Concrete Block, Block Plant, Cement Block, Concrete Paver, Paver Plant